This chapter examines the issue of diversity in the legal profession. It first explains the meaning of diversity and the reasons why it should be promoted. Debates around diversity have focused particularly on gender and race, although increasingly there is emphasis on achieving diversity in relation to socio-economic background, disability, and sexuality too. It reviews the current status of the profession in terms of diversity. It considers diversity rules as set out in in the Equality Act 2010, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Handbook, and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Handbook. Barriers to diversity and steps to promote diversity are also discussed.
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3. Gender, race, and diversity in the legal profession
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14. Gender, race, and diversity in the legal profession
This chapter examines the issue of diversity in the legal profession. It first explains the meaning of diversity and the reasons why it should be promoted. It reviews the current status of the profession in terms of diversity. It considers diversity rules in the Equality Act 2010, Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Handbook, and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) Handbook. Barriers to diversity and steps to promote diversity are also discussed.
